Jordan Love’s connection with rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden has been the focal point of media coverage at Green Bay Packers training camp so far, but a veteran pass catcher made his presence known on Thursday.
The Packers have a stacked receiver room with Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Savion Williams, and Dontayvion Wicks. But veteran Mecole Hardman might be making a case for the 53-man roster.
Green Bay Packers’ Mecole Hardman had a big day
Per Packers.com, Hardman used his speed to make big plays at practice.
“The new addition at receiver/returner won two impressive one-on-one reps by being somewhat sneaky about his breakaway speed,” wrote Mike Spofford. “First, against cornerback Kalen King, Hardman began his route upfield, sold the go with a brief acceleration to top speed, and then abruptly broke it off as soon as King committed to going deep. He caught the comeback with ease.”
“Then later against Javon Bullard from the slot, he was on cruise control as he bent his route inside and curled back to the outside. Bullard was right with him until Hardman kicked it into high gear to get the separation needed. Toward the end of practice in two-minute, Hardman gave the No. 1 offense a chance by converting on third-and-10 with a 20-plus yard grab over the middle on which he sat down in front of the deep zone.”
Hardman brings experience that the Packers might want to keep around in 2025. He’s won three Super Bowls during his time with the Kansas City Chiefs.
The second-round pick in 2019 has appeared in 80 games and started in 28. He’s caught 178 passes for 2,302 yards, and 16 touchdowns during his seven years in the league.
He might fit better on this team than Malik Heath, who saw his numbers drop in 2024.
